Eastern Wahoo — (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick
Photo by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam KieschnickiNaturalistCC BY
Pet safety reference

Eastern Wahoo

Euonymus atropurpurea

Euonymus atropurpurea is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant fall foliage and deep red berries. It contains cardiac glycosides which can be harmful if ingested by pets.

Burning BushEastern WahooEuonymus atropurpureaWahoo
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Habit
Deciduous shrub
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential cardiac arrhythmias.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential cardiac irregularities.

Escalation note

The plant contains compounds that may affect heart function and digestion. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Burning Bush (Euonymus atropurpurea) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Euonymus atropurpurea is a native shrub that produces showy red fruit, but all parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Eastern Wahoodogs safety pageMy dog ate Eastern Wahoo

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